September 13, 2005

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The church itself is an example of Gothic revival style and a product of the mid- to late 19th century. The sculptural decoration and style of the windows evokes the fourteenth century while the interior is kind of a mixture of High and late Gothic styles. At a time of heightened nationalism, the architecture evokes the glories of the French monarchy when Paris dominated Western Europe: the age of Louis IX (go to Sainte-Chapelle!) and later, Angevin kings. The style complements the dedication of the church to a royal saint, one closely associated with Sainte Genevieve (patron saint ). The 19th century is a time when French architects began repairing some of the greatest medieval buildings throughout France, and in the process, helping to establish medieval art history as a serious academic discipline.

Posted by Deste on September 13, 2005 6:42 PM

Deste - Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, this is most interesting! And I had been told about Clotilde (I keep fighting for my own spelling without an "h") converting Clovis, but I didn't know she was described as ruthless, vengeful and unscrupulous -- I do love the idea, though!

I am so, so sorry for misspelling your name! Since your blog gives me so much pleasure, I am only too happy that you've discovered something new in these comments. I just hope you don't find them inspirational.